John Pugh broke into the business before he was yet a year old by being cast as an infant in a British stage production - a part he says came quite naturally. As a result, he was able to celebrate his golden anniversary in show business at the age of 50! As a boy, John tagged along behind his famous showman father, "Digger" Pugh, spending most of his youth in hotels, on ocean liners, or backstage at the great theatres of the world. As a teen, he began his own career on stage as an acrobat which kept him on the road throughout Europe and eventually led him to stunt work in British television and film. One of his fondest memories was handling the elephants on the set for the movie "Cleopatra." His acrobatic abilities eventually brought him to the U.S. where he was signed to a performing contract with Cole Bros. Circus.

When a tumbling injury threatened his performing career, John made himself useful in the management and operational aspects of the Cole show. He rose quickly through the ranks and in 1981 became President and owner of Cole Bros. Circus, Inc.

As he now celebrates over twenty years as Circus owner, he continues his life on the road. With his lovely wife Brigitte, he oversees the day-to-day operation of this "mobile city of entertainment." He remains one of the foremost Circus Producers in the U.S. today and is credited with not only keeping this family entertainment tradition intact, but also is considered a true innovator of labor-saving tent-circus technology and touring transportation technique.